California Hot Springs Directory

Welcome to CaliHotSprings.com, your ultimate guide to discovering the best hot springs in California. This website is built and maintained by hot springers for hot springers with the goal of being the most complete resource available for natural hot springs in California.



All hot springs listings on this website include access information, pool conditions, hours, directions, maps, facility information, ratings, pictures, video clips and more.

California is home to a variety of hot springs that offer not only relaxation but also healing benefits. Whether you’re looking for a remote and rugged hot spring or a luxurious spa experience, we’ve got you covered.

Travertine Hot Springs Mud Bath

Enjoying a mud bath at Travertine Hot Springs

How to Find Your Next Favorite Hot Springs in California

Why are hot springs in California hot?

California is the third-largest state in the US with over 163,000 square miles of vast and sweeping terrain. Its geographic diversity ranges from mountains, coastal ranges, valleys, rivers, lakes and deserts to an abundance of natural hot springs.

The golden state is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is comprised of a chain of volcanoes. This volcanic activity is where California’s hot springs were born.

Water heated from deep within the earth due to volcanic activity pushes its way through fractures and cracks in rocks while gathering minerals along the way. Groundwater from rain aids in replacing the water heated by magma and subsequently renewing the cycle.



The Top 20 Hot Springs in California

The hot springs below are currently the most popular on this website.

California’s Best Hot Springs

Deep Creek Hot Springs

Orr Hot Springs Resort

Wilbur Hot Springs

Harbin Hot Springs

Franklin Hot Springs

Travertine Hot Springs

Agua Caliente County Park Hot Springs

Updated

Tassajara Hot Springs and Zen Mountain Center

Mercey Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs

Updated

Montecito Hot Springs – Hot Springs Canyon

Gaviota Hot Springs

Sykes Hot Springs

Updated

Stewart Mineral Hot Springs Retreat

Updated

Mono Hot Springs

Sierra Hot Springs

Wild Willy’s Hot Spring

Saline Valley Hot Springs

Sea Mountain Inn Clothing-Optional Resort

Updated

Vichy Springs Resort

California Hot Springs Safety Precautions

Many hot springs are far from civilization; away from gas, water, cell phone service and roadside assistance. It is incredibly important to be prepared when traveling to new places. First and foremost, know where you are going. Will you be able to refuel along the way or do you need to carry extra gas? Will your vehicle handle the roads you’ll be traveling on? What shape is your spare tire in?

Red Spider Mite Warning

Only a handful of hot springs in California have been reported to have red spider mites.

No Soap or Shampoo! EVER!

Public hot springs in California are not bathing facilities and do not have ‘plumbing’ like that of commercial, improved hot springs.

Soap and shampoo, including bio soap and shampoo, do not break down naturally and pollute our fragile ecosystems.

FYI, this is also illegal in most wilderness and public land areas. Please report suspicious activity to public lands officials (take pics).

Leave No Trace

It is important to remember when visiting non-commercial hot springs in California or any state to leave them in better shape than when you arrived.

Please leave no trace, bring no glass and embrace the experience. We recommend cleaning up the area and hot springs before soaking as it makes for a more natural experience and reward for your stewardship efforts.

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Map of hot springs in California Hot springs in Northern California Hot springs in Southern California California hot springs guidebooks